The FCC adopted a NPRM that takes a fresh and comprehensive look at the rules for the 5.9 GHz band and proposes, among other things, to make the band’s lower 45 MHz available for unlicensed operations and to permit C-V2X in the upper 20 MHz. (Dkt No 19-138).

In the Matter of
Use of the 5.850-5.925 GHz Band

NOTICE OF PROPOSED RULEMAKING

The 5.9 GHz band, once expected to support widespread deployment of systems that
would improve efficiency and promote safety within the Nation’s transportation infrastructure, has not
lived up to its potential. The promise of ubiquitous vehicle-to-vehicle and vehicle-to-infrastructure
communications in this band has never materialized, while vehicle manufacturers increasingly are using a
multitude of other radio frequency based and other technologies to deliver tangible safety benefits.

To ensure that the American public realizes the maximum value from this 75 megahertz
of mid-band spectrum, we initiate this Notice of Proposed Rulemaking to assess the 5.9 GHz band rules
and propose appropriate changes to ensure the spectrum supports its highest and best use. Recognizing
the current state of vehicular technology and deployment and the evolution of the telecommunications
market, our “fresh look” approach proposes to continue to dedicate spectrum—the upper 30 megahertz
portion of the band—for transportation and vehicle safety purposes, while repurposing the remaining
lower 45 megahertz part of the band for unlicensed operations to support high-throughput broadband
applications.

READ MORE HERE: The FCC adopted a NPRM that takes a fresh and comprehensive look at the rules for the 5.9 GHz band and proposes, among other things, to make the band’s lower 45 MHz available for unlicensed operations and to permit C-V2X in the upper 20 MHz. (Dkt No 19-138).